Students from Botswana

Mabedi Letsholo - MSc Project Management

Why did you choose this course?To develop my knowledge and skills so that I can improve the management of government projects in Botswana.

How did you hear about USW?Through Chevening UK Government scholarship

Why did you choose USW?The content of the project management course at USW appealed to me and the application process was user friendly.

How has your Chevening scholarship helped support your studies?The Chevening scholarship has provided support, guidance and activities that have helped me to settle well in UK and in my studies. Chevening has been supporting me financially; they have been a source of motivation and they have provided activities that helped me to learn more about the UK.

What do you think about Wales?The weather, the food and the culture is totally different from back home so I have learnt to appreciate diversity.The people are also friendly and welcoming.

What advice would you give to any students who are thinking of applying for a Chevening scholarship to study at USW?USW is a great learning environment with wonderful and supportive lectures. You get access to loads of materials online and in the libraries. Also, there are students from all over the world so one gets to learn from them and make long lasting connections. Therefore, USW gives one a chance to be a well rounded graduate.

What do you think about your campus location?Newport City campus is located in the city centre close to all the services one can need therefore its very convenient for students.

What do you think about the teaching staff on your course?Overall the teaching staff have been excellent.

Are you happy with the support available to you?So far I have been happy with the support provided.

Where do you live and do you like your Accommodation?It’s private accommodation and I am happy.

What has been your best experience at USW so far?Undergoing thorough project management training for self and professional development and consequently being awarded certificates.

How do you think your experience studying at USW will help you after you return to your home country?It has definitely increased my knowledge and skills of project management. It has also helped me to learn from best practices in the UK and it will help me to go back home with a positive outlook towards life, full of new ideas to better my country.

Salome Ntau - BSc (Hons) Professional Practice (Midwifery)

I studied a BSc Professional Practice (Midwifery) at the University of South Wales Glyntaff Campus.

Coming to study here was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made in my life. I come from Botswana. I still recall when I first came here; my flight left at 5pm from Gaborone, and then I travelled to Johannesburg in South Africa. At 9pm I left for Amsterdam (Holland) and the following day I boarded a flight to Cardiff and I arrived in Trefforest at 5pm – a 24 hour journey!

I am very grateful for the warm welcome I received. The University had arranged transport to pick me up at the airport. Also I had already organised on-campus accommodation through the University website, and it was ready for me when I got here. It was a good start to my education here.

I had an opportunity to attend the International Arrivals Week and it was very interesting. I learnt everything about the University, academic life, social life and the local area. I felt at home immediately. Wales is a great place; people are friendly and the cost of living is not as high compared to other areas in the UK.

The University of South Wales is one of the only UK universities offering BSc [Hons] Professional Practice, which is perfect for mature entry and post graduates. I have my diploma in Nursing and Midwifery already, and the design and content of this course is fantastic, because I could choose to study what I wanted in order to enhance my professional and practical skills. The simulation practice suite (OSCE) offers more than just practice – it offers high quality learning for Health Sciences students and I would recommend it to all health institutions all over the world.

The University has a good support system for international students, which enhances your learning, academically and socially. There is free interaction between students and lecturers. Teaching at this university is of a high standard and quality.

Having completed my education I feel empowered to make a difference in my career.